$1 million for new uni scholarships

Scholarships

The University of Adelaide has put an extra $1 million towards new student scholarships starting in 2007 aimed at retaining the brightest students in South Australia and targeting every urban and rural secondary school in the State.

Any South Australian student who achieves a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) of 99.95 and accepts an offer to study at the University of Adelaide will receive $10,000 towards study and living costs under the new University of Adelaide Merit Scholarships scheme.

Under the University of Adelaide Principals' Scholarships, a scholarship worth $5000 towards education and living costs will be available for a student from each secondary school in the State. Principals will be asked to nominate up to three candidates with outstanding academic merit and who have also made a significant contribution to their school and the wider community.

The two new schemes will complement the continuing University of Adelaide scholarships, the Adelaide Undergraduate Scholarships and the Andy Thomas Scholarship. The University will also maintain its $700,000 access and equity scholarship program.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor Professor James McWha said: "The University of Adelaide has a history of attracting the brightest young people to study here as shown by our 100 Rhodes Scholars and three Nobel Laureate graduates. This new scholarship scheme builds on that history and shows our commitment to continue to educate high achievers and encourage them to stay in South Australia. We believe that setting aside this substantial sum for this purpose will make a significant contribution towards this goal for the benefit of the community and the State.

"We are also keen to ensure that students from throughout South Australia who are outstanding both academically and in terms of their contribution to others are given the opportunity to receive this assistance and be encouraged, firstly, to take up university studies and, secondly, to do so within this State."

Students do not need to apply for these scholarships - the University will contact all eligible students.

Further details about eligibility can be obtained from the University's Student Centre on (08) 8303 5208 (or 1800 061 459 toll free for country and interstate callers) or at: www.adelaide.edu.au/scholarships/

Story by Robyn Mills